Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Salman bin Sultan on the eve of the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain to discuss regional issues, including Iran, Egypt and Syria.

The secretary underscored the strength of the bilateral relationship and noted the centrality of the defense partnership in maintaining the long-standing ties between the two countries. Secretary Hagel conveyed that the United States remained committed to regional security and stability, a shared objective with Saudi Arabia.

The secretary indicated U.S.-Saudi defense cooperation is essential to maintaining our shared priorities. He highlighted the Saudi purchase of F-15SA aircraft and advanced weapons as an example of future of improved interoperability and coordination between both militaries.